What comes to mind when you think about the 4th of July? Fireworks? Parades? Red, white, and blue? All of these things probably pop into your thoughts when this holiday rolls around each year, but for many people, the 4th of July is the ultimate day to have a barbecue. 

This year if you’re thinking about planning a barbecue – then there’s no time like the present to get started. After all, you want all of your guests to be able to make it. If you need a little help getting the ball rolling – let these tips give you a helping hand. 

Pick a Venue

The first thing you want to do is choose where you’re going to have your barbecue. If you’re going to host at your place – great. But, if you want to book a pavilion in a park or head to a lake or enlist the aid of a family member with a great backyard – then do that first! 

Send Invitations ASAP

If you want to make sure that all of your family and friends can make it to your 4th of July party – send out your invitations as soon as possible. The 4th of July seems to be one of those holidays where everyone has a get-together of some sort. Ensure that your friends will be at yours with an early invitation.

Embrace Tradition

Embracing tradition is easy to do for a 4th of July barbecue. All you need to do is go red, white, and blue. Pick up paper goods that embrace the holiday spirit. (This will also make clean up easy!) Grab some decorations like bunting, flags, and balloons to pull it all together.

Keep It Casual

Do you know what a 4th of July barbecue is not? It’s not stuffy and formal. The 4th of July barbecue is the ultimate in casual events. Shorts and swimsuits. Paper plates and plastic silverware. Red Solo cups. Leave formal behind for the 4th.

Choose Your Menu

Part of embracing 4th of July traditions is choosing a menu that goes with the holiday. That probably means foods cooked on the grill or smoker. Hot dogs and hamburgers are classics, but you could go ribs and chicken, too! 

The side dishes are just as important – whether you like potato salad, deviled eggs, or some cool fruit kebabs. Pick a variety of side dishes that will appeal to the tastes of your guests.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you want the barbecue to be a potluck – let everyone know what they could bring. If you need help setting up tables and chairs – ask. People are always glad to lend a helping hand.

Create a Playlist

You’ll definitely want some music for your barbecue. Take the time to put together a playlist that includes music for all of your guests. Summertime classics from several decades will make all of your guests feel welcome. This is also a perfect job for teens. Provide your favorite teenager with some specific instructions as to what music you are looking for and let them create the playlist. They could do some research and find out what has been the number one song on the 4th of July for the last 50 years and create a great (and diverse) playlist.

Plan Some Games or Activities

Take the time to plan a few games or activities – especially if you have children attending. Lawn games are always fun. Cornhole, ladder golf, Kan Jam, and giant Jenga are easy to set up!

If you think you want to host a 4th of July barbecue – there’s still time! Get planning right away, and you’ll be ready to celebrate this national holiday with your friends and family.